Four Takeaways From No. 14 Virginia’s Late Collapse Against No. 22 North Carolina

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke’s return home could not have unfolded more convincingly. Behind a dominant performance from freshman standout Cameron Boozer and a defensive effort that intensified as the game wore on, the fifth-ranked Blue Devils rolled past Wake Forest 90–69 on Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The victory pushed Duke to 18–1 overall and 7–0 in ACC play, while Wake Forest dropped to 11–9 (2–5 ACC) after being unable to withstand Duke’s physicality and sustained second-half pressure. What began as a competitive, high-energy contest quickly tilted once Duke established control inside and forced Wake Forest to defend extended possessions. The Blue Devils’ rebounding dominance and paint scoring created steady separation, turning a narrow first-half margin into a runaway win by the final minutes. Wake Forest Starts Fast, Duke Responds Wake Forest entered Cameron with confidence and energy, opening the game aggressively from the perimeter. Early three-point shooting helped the Demon Deacons jump out to an 11–5 lead, forcing Duke to regroup in the opening minutes. Crisp ball movement and spacing allowed Wake Forest to maintain its edge briefly as Duke worked to settle into the game. Duke’s response came through the interior. Patrick Ngongba II sparked the Blue Devils with an alley-oop finish that halted Wake Forest’s early momentum, and Duke gradually tightened defensively. Boozer followed with transition baskets and strong finishes through contact, allowing Duke to erase the deficit without relying on perimeter shooting. As Duke’s defensive pressure increased, Wake Forest’s offense began to stall. A decisive 13–0 run late in the first half flipped the game entirely, turning a tight contest into a double-digit Duke advantage. The Blue Devils closed the half with a 42–31 lead, having asserted control on the glass and inside the paint. Boozer Takes Over After Halftime Any hope of a Wake Forest rally faded quickly once the second half began. Duke opened the period by locking down defensively, holding the Demon Deacons without a made field goal for multiple minutes. The Blue Devils capitalized on those stops with efficient interior scoring, pushing the lead to 17 early in the half. Boozer became nearly unstoppable during this stretch. The freshman forward attacked mismatches, absorbed contact, and showed patience against double teams—either finishing through traffic or finding teammates for high-percentage looks. His ability to operate from both the high post and the block forced Wake Forest into constant rotations that left the defense vulnerable elsewhere. Wake Forest attempted to respond behind Juke Harris, who strung together several baskets to briefly cut the deficit to ten. Duke answered immediately. Each Wake Forest push was met with a composed response, whether through Boozer’s scoring, offensive rebounds, or ball movement that created clean lanes to the rim. Another prolonged defensive stand sealed the outcome. Duke held Wake Forest without a field goal for nearly eight minutes midway through the second half, stretching the lead beyond 20 and removing any remaining doubt. Interior Control Defines the Game The numbers reflected Duke’s dominance. The Blue Devils outscored Wake Forest 48–16 in the paint and repeatedly converted second-chance opportunities at the rim. Duke also controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 43–22 and holding a 16–6 advantage on the offensive boards, creating a constant possession imbalance Wake Forest could not overcome. Boozer finished with 32 points, marking his fourth 30-point performance of the season and his second consecutive outing at that level. He added nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals, narrowly missing a double-double while impacting every phase of the game. Ngongba II contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, providing steady interior support. Isaiah Evans added 11 points, while Maliq Brown filled the stat sheet with eight rebounds and five assists, anchoring Duke’s connective play without committing a turnover. Duke’s discipline showed up in ball security as well. The Blue Devils committed just nine turnovers against a Wake Forest team that entered the game among the ACC leaders in forced turnovers, preventing the Demon Deacons from generating easy transition offense. Wake Forest Competes but Cannot Match Physicality Wake Forest received a strong individual effort from Harris, who finished with 23 points, including a stretch where he scored 10 straight in the second half. Cooper Schwieger added 12 points, while Omaha Biliew and Tre’Von Spillers reached double figures off the bench. Despite solid perimeter shooting and consistent effort, Wake Forest struggled to defend Duke’s size and strength over extended stretches. Multiple possessions ended with second- and third-chance opportunities for the Blue Devils, and breakdowns near the rim allowed Duke to steadily widen the margin. The Demon Deacons made a push early in the second half, briefly cutting the lead to single digits, but the inability to control the glass or slow Boozer inside proved too costly. Duke’s Home Dominance Continues The win extended Duke’s home winning streak to 26 consecutive games and continued a remarkable run of success in ACC play. The Blue Devils have now won 29 of their last 30 conference games and remain unbeaten in league action this season. Duke also maintained its long-standing dominance over Wake Forest at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where the Demon Deacons have not won since 1997. With the victory, Duke completed its return from a successful West Coast road swing and carried momentum into an upcoming matchup against No. 23 Louisville, further strengthening its résumé as one of the nation’s most complete teams. Final Takeaway Duke’s 90–69 victory over Wake Forest was defined by physicality, execution, and depth. Cameron Boozer delivered another star-level performance, the defense clamped down when needed, and the Blue Devils controlled the paint from start to finish.  Wake Forest showed competitiveness early and received strong individual contributions, but Duke’s rebounding dominance and interior scoring ultimately decided the game. As ACC play intensifies, Duke continues to look every bit the part of a national contender—especially inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.

ATLANTA — Clemson turned a tightly contested first half into a convincing road victory Saturday afternoon, erupting after halftime to defeat Georgia Tech 77–63 at McCamish Pavilion. The No. 18 Tigers used a decisive second-half shooting surge and disciplined defensive execution to pull away, improving to 17–4 overall and 7–1 in ACC play. Georgia Tech dropped to 11–9 (2–5 ACC) after being unable to match Clemson’s offensive efficiency following the break. The win marked Clemson’s 12th consecutive ACC road victory , extending a school record and tying for the fourth-longest road winning streak in conference history. After navigating a back-and-forth first half and carrying only a slim advantage into the locker room, the Tigers emerged with renewed pace, sharper ball movement, and confident shot-making that Georgia Tech could not counter. First Half Defined by Tight Margins and Momentum Swings The opening 20 minutes unfolded exactly as expected in a conference matchup between familiar opponents. Neither team established early separation, with the half featuring six ties and 11 lead changes as both offenses worked to find rhythm against physical defense. Georgia Tech leaned heavily on senior guard Kowacie Reeves Jr. , who attacked confidently from the perimeter and carried the Yellow Jackets offensively. Reeves connected on mid-range jumpers and timely threes, keeping Tech afloat through several Clemson runs and energizing the home crowd. Clemson, meanwhile, relied on balanced contributions and interior touches while struggling to find consistency from beyond the arc. The Tigers shot just 4-of-16 from three-point range in the first half, a factor that prevented them from building a larger cushion despite generating quality looks. Late in the half, Georgia Tech briefly seized momentum. A three-pointer inside the final minute gave the Yellow Jackets a one-point lead and ignited McCamish Pavilion. Clemson responded with poise. With the clock winding down, Dillon Hunter drilled a contested fallaway three at the buzzer, flipping the scoreboard and sending the Tigers into halftime with a 35–33 lead . Despite Clemson’s advantage, the game felt far from settled. Both teams were competitive on the glass, turnovers were minimal, and the margin remained thin. Clemson Explodes After Halftime The tone of the game changed immediately after intermission. Clemson opened the second half with a 19–6 run , attacking the paint, pushing tempo, and finally finding rhythm from long range. The surge ballooned the Tigers’ lead to 14 points and forced Georgia Tech into a reactive posture. Clemson’s offensive transformation was stark. After struggling from deep before halftime, the Tigers caught fire, shooting 7-of-12 from three-point range in the second half. Improved ball movement created open looks, and Clemson capitalized on every defensive breakdown. Jake Wahlin and Nick Davidson anchored the balanced scoring effort. Wahlin, who was scoreless from beyond the arc in the first half, knocked down all three of his three-point attempts after halftime while leading Clemson with eight rebounds. Davidson added steady interior scoring and rim protection, helping Clemson control both ends as the margin widened. The Tigers finished the second half shooting 51.9 percent from the field , a level of efficiency that quickly separated them from a Georgia Tech team struggling to keep pace. Georgia Tech Pushes Back but Cannot Close the Gap To Georgia Tech’s credit, the Yellow Jackets continued to compete. Reeves remained aggressive and productive, finishing with 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting and extending his streak to 12 consecutive games in double figures . Guard Lamar Washington added energy and playmaking, recording 10 points, five assists, and three steals. Tech briefly trimmed the deficit to single digits in the final minutes, but Clemson consistently delivered timely responses. Each Georgia Tech push was answered with a composed basket, a defensive stop, or a key rebound that prevented sustained momentum. Clemson pushed the lead to its largest margin — 16 points — with just over six minutes remaining and calmly closed out the contest, turning the final stretch into a controlled finish rather than a scramble. Balanced Tigers Control the Numbers Clemson’s depth again proved decisive. The Tigers placed four players in double figures , continuing a trend that has defined their road success throughout conference play. Freshman Ace Buckner posted 12 points and added a career-high four assists, marking his seventh double-digit scoring effort of the season. Hunter contributed 12 points and five rebounds, complementing his buzzer-beating shot before halftime with consistent second-half production. As a team, Clemson shot 45.9 percent from the field and committed just five turnovers , limiting opportunities for Georgia Tech to generate transition offense. The Tigers recorded 14 assists on 28 made baskets , reinforcing the ball movement that unlocked their second-half surge. Georgia Tech shot 36.8 percent overall and was out-rebounded 37–32 , despite a strong interior effort from Baye Ndongo , who grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds while adding five points, three blocks, and a steal. What the Result Means For Clemson, the victory served as an immediate response to its first ACC loss earlier in the week and reinforced its identity as one of the conference’s most disciplined and resilient road teams. The Tigers’ ability to flip the game after halftime highlighted their maturity, depth, and offensive adaptability. Georgia Tech showed competitiveness and effort, particularly in the opening half, but the inability to match Clemson’s shooting efficiency after the break proved decisive. The Yellow Jackets now prepare for a road matchup at Virginia Tech as they continue navigating a challenging stretch of ACC play. Final Takeaway Clemson’s 77–63 victory at Georgia Tech was defined by execution after halftime. The Tigers transformed a tightly contested game into a controlled road win through shooting precision, rebounding, and defensive discipline. Georgia Tech battled throughout and received another strong performance from Kowacie Reeves Jr., but Clemson’s balance and second-half surge ultimately separated the teams.  As conference play intensifies, Clemson continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the ACC’s most dangerous road opponents, while Georgia Tech searches for consistency against ranked competition.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville welcomed back one of its most important pieces Saturday afternoon and delivered one of its most complete conference performances of the season, defeating Virginia Tech 85–71 at the KFC Yum! Center. The win moved the No. 23 Cardinals to 14–5 overall and 4–3 in ACC play, while the Hokies slipped to 15–6 (4–4) after being unable to recover from a decisive first-half surge. Freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr. , playing his first game after missing eight contests with a back injury, immediately reasserted his presence. Brown finished with 20 points, six assists, and three three-pointers , providing offensive control, tempo, and poise as Louisville seized command late in the first half and never relinquished it. Physical Defensive Start Sets the Tone The opening minutes reflected a rugged ACC battle, with both teams struggling to establish offensive rhythm. Virginia Tech briefly held a 6–4 advantage midway through the first half, but it would prove to be the Hokies’ only lead of the afternoon. Defensive pressure and contested looks kept scoring limited early, and neither team reached double figures until after the under-12 media timeout. Louisville began to gain traction through defensive stops and second-chance opportunities. After forcing a Virginia Tech shot-clock violation, the Cardinals responded with back-to-back scores — a corner three followed by a transition layup — to take an 18–14 lead with just over eight minutes remaining. That sequence sparked a shift in momentum that defined the rest of the game. Late First-Half Run Creates Separation Louisville seized complete control during the final four minutes of the opening half. The Cardinals closed the period on a 14–3 run , overwhelming Virginia Tech with interior scoring, timely shooting, and relentless rebounding. Three-pointers from Ryan Conwell and Adrian Wooley , an and-one finish from J’Vonne Hadley , and a transition dunk by Brown highlighted the surge. The run pushed Louisville’s lead into double digits and silenced a Virginia Tech offense that struggled to find answers. By halftime, the Cardinals held a commanding 37–22 advantage , limiting the Hokies to one of their lowest first-half scoring outputs of the season. Virginia Tech shot just 24.2 percent before intermission and committed nine turnovers , while Louisville generated 15 second-chance points and nine offensive rebounds . Sananda Fru was instrumental inside, grabbing five offensive boards in the first half and anchoring a frontcourt that outscored Virginia Tech 16–4 in the paint during the opening 20 minutes. Louisville Extends Control After the Break The Cardinals wasted no time extending their advantage after halftime. Fru scored on Louisville’s first possession, and moments later Kobe Rodgers turned a steal into a dunk that stretched the lead to 53–35 , the largest margin of the game. Virginia Tech responded with its best offensive stretch, catching fire from beyond the arc. The Hokies connected on eight of their first ten three-point attempts in the second half, trimming the deficit to 64–56 with just over seven minutes remaining and briefly injecting urgency into the contest. Louisville answered with composure. Fru delivered a crucial basket inside to restore a double-digit cushion, and the Cardinals never allowed the lead to drop below ten again. A decisive 12–2 run , capped by Conwell’s four-point play, pushed the advantage back to 17 points with just over five minutes left, effectively sealing the outcome. Balanced Attack Anchors Cardinals Brown’s return provided Louisville with immediate stability and scoring punch. The freshman shot 7-for-11 from the field , added three free throws, and recorded his fourth 20-point game of the season while directing the offense with confidence. Fru posted his third double-double of the year with 13 points and 10 rebounds , controlling the paint on both ends. Hadley added 14 points , while Conwell supplied 15 points , knocking down four three-pointers and delivering the game-altering four-point play late in the second half. As a team, Louisville shot 47 percent from the field, connected on 13 three-pointers , and went 10-of-13 at the free-throw line . The Cardinals also dominated the glass, finishing with a 44–31 rebounding advantage , including 15 offensive rebounds that consistently extended possessions. Hokies’ Shooting Surge Not Enough Virginia Tech found offensive rhythm after halftime but could not overcome the early hole. The Hokies finished 16-of-30 from three-point range , their highest total since 2023, and outscored Louisville 49–48 in the second half. Jailen Bedford led all scorers with 24 points , hitting six three-pointers and surpassing the 1,000-point mark for his Division I career. Ben Hammond added 18 points , while Amani Hansberry contributed 12 points and seven rebounds after a difficult first half. Despite the perimeter success, Virginia Tech struggled inside, shooting just 28 percent on non-three-point attempts and surrendering a significant edge in paint scoring and second-chance opportunities. Turnovers and rebounding gaps proved too costly to erase. What the Result Means The victory marked Louisville’s third win in its last four games and reinforced the Cardinals’ upward momentum in ACC play. Brown’s return adds another layer of playmaking and scoring balance as Louisville prepares for a quick turnaround road test at No. 5 Duke . For Virginia Tech, the loss snapped a two-game winning streak but highlighted the Hokies’ shooting potential moving forward. Tech returns home to face Georgia Tech, aiming to clean up early-game execution and interior defense after digging too deep a hole in Louisville. Final Takeaway Louisville’s 85–71 win over Virginia Tech was defined by physicality, discipline, and execution. The Cardinals dominated the glass, protected the paint, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, while Mikel Brown Jr.’s return provided an immediate spark on both ends of the floor. Virginia Tech battled back with elite three-point shooting, but Louisville’s first-half surge and steady responses after halftime proved decisive. With Brown back in the lineup and conference play intensifying, the Cardinals continue to establish themselves as a dangerous ACC contender.

Blue Devils Sweep West Coast Swing as Defense Holds Cardinal to 19 First-Half Points STANFORD, Calif. — No. 6 Duke delivered its most complete performance of the season Saturday night, rolling to an 80–50 win over Stanford at Maples Pavilion behind a commanding effort from freshman standout Cameron Boozer. The Blue Devils dictated the pace from the opening possession, punished Stanford in the paint, and never allowed the Cardinal to find rhythm in what quickly became a one-sided ACC matchup on the West Coast. Boozer finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds, posting his ninth double-double of the season and continuing a stretch of dominant play that has made him one of the country’s most productive first-year stars. The freshman scored 20 of his points in the first half alone, setting the tone early as Duke built a sizeable advantage long before halftime and maintained control through the final horn. The win improved Duke to 17–1 overall and 6–0 in ACC play, keeping the Blue Devils unbeaten in true road games this season. It also completed a perfect West Coast conference trip for Duke following a win earlier in the week at California, as the Blue Devils swept a two-game road swing against the league’s newest members. Stanford fell to 14–5 overall and 3–3 in conference play after struggling to generate consistent offense against a Duke defense that tightened immediately and stayed disciplined for the full 40 minutes. The Cardinal entered the matchup with confidence after a major win earlier in the week, but Saturday’s contest quickly turned into a defensive showcase for the visiting Blue Devils. Duke Jumps Out Early and Sets the Physical Tone From the opening minutes, Duke looked sharper, faster, and more connected defensively. After forcing a turnover on Stanford’s first possession, the Blue Devils converted the stop into an early basket, immediately setting a tone that favored their physical approach. Stanford was held scoreless for the first four minutes of the game, and Duke used that stretch to build an early cushion before the Cardinal could settle in. Boozer made his presence felt almost instantly, scoring nine of Duke’s first 13 points while consistently creating problems for Stanford’s interior defense. Duke’s downhill pressure, combined with strong rim protection on the other end, put Stanford in a difficult spot early. Even when the Cardinal worked for decent looks, Duke’s ability to finish defensive possessions with rebounds prevented Stanford from finding second-chance scoring opportunities. Stanford’s offense struggled to create space for its leading scorer Ebuka Okorie, who entered the game among the ACC’s most consistent scorers. Duke stayed attached on the perimeter, disrupted passing lanes, and forced Stanford into late-clock possessions where difficult shot-making became the only option. The Cardinal remained within reach for brief stretches, but Duke’s control of tempo and physicality gradually pushed the game toward a larger margin. A Decisive First-Half Run Breaks the Game Open Midway through the opening half, Duke produced the run that effectively ended any chance of a tightly contested finish. A powerful dunk, followed by steady paint scoring and back-to-back defensive stops, fueled a 13–3 stretch that pushed the Blue Devils firmly into control. With each Duke possession, the advantage in strength and size became more obvious. Duke consistently won one-on-one matchups inside, and Stanford’s defensive rotations were forced to collapse repeatedly, opening clean lanes for high-percentage looks. By halftime, Duke held a commanding 35–19 lead, having limited Stanford to just 19 points in the opening 20 minutes. Boozer was already nearing a double-double at the break with 20 points and nine rebounds, and Duke’s defensive execution had turned what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a lopsided first half. Stanford, meanwhile, struggled to generate anything resembling sustained offensive rhythm. The Cardinal produced empty possessions in bunches, and Duke’s discipline prevented the home team from manufacturing easy points at the free-throw line. Even when Stanford forced a miss, Duke’s rebounding presence kept the Cardinal from turning stops into momentum. Boozer Completes His Double-Double as Duke Maintains Control Any hope of a Stanford comeback faded quickly after the break. Boozer secured his 10th rebound early in the second half, officially completing his double-double within minutes of play resuming. Duke continued to score efficiently inside, using quick ball movement and strong offensive rebounding to create clean looks without needing to rely heavily on perimeter shooting. Stanford attempted to respond by increasing tempo and looking for transition opportunities, but Duke’s defense consistently recovered and forced contested shots. The Cardinal briefly improved its rhythm as the half progressed, but the margin never shrank to a threatening number, and Duke consistently responded whenever Stanford showed signs of life. The Blue Devils expanded their lead to 20 after a Patrick Ngongba II layup with under 13 minutes remaining. From there, Duke continued to apply pressure, mixing paint attacks with timely perimeter shots that kept Stanford from loading up defensively in one area. A late three-pointer by Cayden Boozer pushed Duke’s advantage beyond 30, and the closing minutes became a steady demonstration of Duke’s depth and control. Duke finished with a 30-point victory, one of its most convincing road wins of the season and a statement performance in a building that rarely produces lopsided results against high-level opponents. Stanford Struggles to Match Duke’s Size and Defensive Discipline Stanford entered the night hoping to build on momentum and add another signature result to its résumé. Instead, Duke’s defensive intensity neutralized Stanford’s most reliable scoring options and disrupted offensive flow from start to finish. Okorie was held to nine points, one of only a handful of times this season he has finished in single digits. Stanford also had difficulty generating clean perimeter looks, and Duke’s ability to contest shots without fouling prevented the Cardinal from settling into an efficient free-throw rhythm. Jeremy Dent-Smith led Stanford with 18 points, providing the most consistent offense the Cardinal could find. AJ Rohosy contributed on the glass with 11 rebounds, helping Stanford create a few extra possessions. Even with those efforts, the Cardinal struggled to string together stops and buckets, largely because Duke responded quickly whenever Stanford began to build momentum. The absence of forward Chisom Okpara also limited Stanford’s depth and reduced the team’s ability to match Duke’s size across the frontcourt, especially once foul pressure and fatigue began to build. What the Win Means for Duke Moving Forward For Duke, the win reinforced what the Blue Devils have looked like at their best: a disciplined, physically dominant team capable of controlling both ends of the floor. Sweeping a West Coast trip with two conference wins is a major accomplishment, particularly with the physical demands of travel and two hostile environments in a short span. It also offered another reminder of just how quickly Boozer has become a centerpiece. His production, efficiency, and consistency on the glass continue to give Duke a reliable foundation, and performances like this one show why the Blue Devils remain one of the most dangerous teams in the country when their defense is locked in. For Stanford, the result served as a harsh but clear measuring stick. The Cardinal has proven it can compete with strong teams, but Saturday highlighted the standard required to handle elite opponents who combine size, discipline, and defensive pressure for a full 40 minutes. Final Takeaway Duke’s 80–50 win at Stanford was the type of performance that travels well in March. The Blue Devils controlled the tempo from the opening tip, dominated the glass, defended at a championship level, and received another elite outing from Cameron Boozer. Stanford showed flashes but could not overcome Duke’s physicality, depth, and relentless defensive execution. With Boozer continuing to deliver at a star level and Duke’s defense rounding into form, the Blue Devils leave the West Coast with momentum, confidence, and the look of a team built to thrive as ACC play intensifies.

Hurricanes Survive Fourth-Quarter Chaos, Win on Beck’s Late Touchdown Run in Final Seconds GLENDALE, Ariz. — Miami’s improbable postseason surge continued Thursday night in one of the most dramatic games of the College Football Playoff era, as the No. 10-seeded Hurricanes defeated No. 6 Ole Miss 31–27 in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. The win sent Miami to the CFP National Championship Game for the first time in more than two decades, sealing the result with a late touchdown run in the final seconds after surviving multiple Ole Miss lead changes and a frantic finish that came down to a final throw into the end zone. Miami controlled large stretches of the game through possession, discipline, and defensive pressure, but Ole Miss repeatedly countered with explosive runs, timely conversions, and a relentless fourth-quarter push that nearly flipped the semifinal. In the end, the Hurricanes won the final possession battle, finishing with the game’s last touchdown and refusing to blink when the stakes were highest. Miami Sets the Tone Early but Settles for Three Ole Miss received the opening kickoff and immediately tried to establish its tempo, but Miami’s defense delivered an early statement by forcing a three-and-out. The Hurricanes responded with a methodical drive that tilted field position and set the tone physically, though the possession ended with points instead of a touchdown. Miami took a 3–0 lead on a 38-yard field goal, striking first and beginning what became a night defined by control through time of possession. The first quarter belonged to Miami in everything but separation. The Hurricanes consistently won at the line of scrimmage, kept Ole Miss from generating rhythm, and limited the Rebels to minimal early production. Still, the lack of an early touchdown kept the margin thin, leaving the door open for Ole Miss to change the game with one explosive play. Lacy’s 73-Yard Run Shifts Momentum in an Instant That shift arrived at the start of the second quarter. On the first play of the period, Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy broke free up the middle and sprinted 73 yards for a touchdown, instantly giving the Rebels a 7–3 lead and turning the game in both emotion and momentum. Miami answered the way it has throughout its postseason run — with composure and control. The Hurricanes marched 75 yards on a 16-play drive that drained clock, wore down the Ole Miss front, and ended with a 4-yard touchdown run by CharMar Brown. The response put Miami back in front 10–7 and reaffirmed its ability to dictate terms even against a fast-strike offense. Ole Miss refused to allow Miami to settle into a slow, grinding rhythm. The Rebels answered with execution and field position, tying the score at 10–10 on a 42-yard field goal from Lucas Carneiro. But Miami produced its biggest moment of the half in one quick blow. Quarterback Carson Beck found Keelan Marion behind the defense for a 52-yard touchdown, putting the Hurricanes ahead 17–10 and shifting the energy again. Even then, Ole Miss stayed alive through its kicker. Carneiro drilled a 58-yard field goal before halftime, trimming the deficit to 17–13 and keeping the Rebels within one possession at the break. Third Quarter Becomes a Test of Patience and Missed Opportunities The third quarter offered chances for both teams, but neither side fully cashed in. Miami opened the half by moving into scoring range, only to miss a long field goal attempt that would have stretched the margin. Ole Miss responded with a drive of its own, but Carneiro’s 51-yard attempt struck the upright and bounced away, leaving the score unchanged. The quarter continued to grind as both defenses tightened. Ole Miss found its most important swing late in the period when Kapena Gushiken intercepted a deflected pass, giving the Rebels possession with the momentum shifting and the margin still manageable. Even then, points didn’t come easily. Carneiro lined up for another long attempt, and once again the uprights got involved — his 54-yard field goal struck the post but bounced through. The make cut Miami’s lead to 17–16 heading into the fourth quarter and set the stage for a final period that escalated into chaos. Fourth Quarter Turns Into a Playoff Classic The Rebels’ confidence grew quickly in the fourth, fueled by defensive pressure and Miami’s inability to create separation. Ole Miss finally reclaimed the lead after driving inside the Miami 5, settling for a short field goal that made it 19–17 with seven minutes remaining. It wasn’t flashy, but it was meaningful — the Rebels had taken control in the moment that mattered most. Miami answered immediately with its fastest scoring drive of the night. Beck pushed the ball aggressively downfield, and the Hurricanes finished the possession with a screen pass to freshman Malachi Toney, who broke free for a 36-yard touchdown. In a matter of moments, Miami was back on top 24–19, and the game’s momentum swung yet again. Ole Miss responded with urgency and precision. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led a sharp drive and delivered a 24-yard touchdown strike to Dae’Quan Wright. The Rebels followed with a successful two-point conversion, taking a 27–24 lead with 3:18 remaining — the kind of late-game punch that ends most postseason runs. Instead, Miami responded with the defining possession of its season. Miami’s 75-Yard Final Drive Delivers the Winning Score With its title-game hopes hanging in the balance, Miami started at its own 25-yard line and committed to a deliberate, physical response. Beck led a 75-yard march on 16 plays, draining clock, converting third downs, and steadily wearing down an Ole Miss defense that had been forced to defend extended drives all night. The Hurricanes reached the red zone in the closing moments, and Ole Miss tightened coverage, forcing Beck to hold the ball and search. He found the answer himself. Seeing an opening to the left, Beck scrambled and scored on a 3-yard rushing touchdown with 18 seconds remaining, giving Miami a 31–27 lead and delivering the final lead change of a night that featured constant swings and no safety net. Ole Miss still had time for one last push. Chambliss completed quick throws to move the Rebels near midfield and into striking range, reaching the Miami 35-yard line with a final shot remaining. The last pass into the end zone fell incomplete as time expired, ending Ole Miss’ season and sending Miami into the national championship game. Key Performances Shape a Heavyweight Semifinal Chambliss finished with 277 passing yards and capped a standout season in which he threw for 3,937 yards and accounted for 30 total touchdowns. Wright emerged as his most dangerous late-game target, delivering several pivotal receptions and the late touchdown that temporarily put Ole Miss ahead. Lacy added 103 rushing yards, highlighted by his 73-yard touchdown that ignited the Rebels’ early surge. Miami’s offense was balanced, persistent, and built for postseason pressure. Beck delivered an efficient performance and sealed the win with the late touchdown scramble. Marion provided explosive downfield playmaking, and Toney’s fourth-quarter score became one of the defining highlights of the game. Miami also maintained its identity through possession, repeatedly leaning on sustained drives to drain clock and wear down Ole Miss physically. Defensively, Miami set the tone early, limiting Ole Miss’ rhythm in the opening quarter and creating pressure that helped shape the game’s pace. Ole Miss was led defensively by TJ Dottery, who finished with 11 tackles in a performance that kept the Rebels within reach even as the Hurricanes controlled long stretches. Final Takeaway Miami’s 31–27 win over Ole Miss was a playoff survival test that demanded every ounce of composure and endurance the Hurricanes possessed. Ole Miss struck with explosive plays and nearly stole the result with late execution, but Miami delivered the sharper finish, sealing the semifinal with a clock-draining touchdown drive that left the Rebels only seconds to respond. With the victory, Miami advances to the CFP National Championship Game riding momentum from three straight postseason wins. Ole Miss exits after a historic season that came down to one final incomplete pass under the brightest lights.

PASADENA, Calif. — Indiana delivered one of the most commanding postseason performances in recent college football memory Thursday night, overpowering No. 9 Alabama 38–3 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. The undefeated Hoosiers took control in the second quarter and never looked back, pairing an efficient, mistake-free offense with a suffocating defensive effort that left the Crimson Tide searching for answers from start to finish. With the win, Indiana improved to 14–0 and advanced to the CFP semifinals , while Alabama’s season ended at 11–4 in its most lopsided defeat in nearly three decades. The result marked Indiana’s first-ever victory over Alabama and a program milestone on one of the sport’s biggest stages. For a team that won only three games two seasons ago, the breakthrough was both stunning and symbolic—a clear signal that Indiana has arrived as a national power. Indiana Breaks Through With a Second-Quarter Surge The opening quarter was measured and cautious, with both defenses setting the tone early. Alabama applied pressure, and Indiana took time to settle into rhythm. That balance broke in the second quarter when the Hoosiers delivered the type of drive that changed the entire game. Indiana marched 16 plays and 84 yards , draining nearly nine minutes off the clock before finishing with a 31-yard field goal to open the scoring. It was Indiana’s longest possession of the season by both plays and time, and it immediately established the Hoosiers’ intent: control tempo, dictate field position, and wear Alabama down. Momentum swung sharply moments later when Alabama gambled on fourth down deep in its own territory and failed to convert. Indiana punished the mistake, scoring four plays later on a 21-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 10–0 . The Hoosiers weren’t finished. In the final moments of the half, Indiana engineered another composed drive— 58 yards in 11 plays —and struck again with a one-yard touchdown pass with just 17 seconds remaining. Indiana reached halftime ahead 17–0 , while Alabama had yet to establish any offensive rhythm. Hoosiers Pull Away After the Break Any hope of an Alabama comeback evaporated quickly after intermission. Indiana opened the third quarter with a balanced, aggressive drive and finished it with a 24-yard touchdown pass , stretching the lead to 24–0 and forcing Alabama into desperation mode. The Crimson Tide finally got on the board with a field goal midway through the third quarter, but the brief spark didn’t last. Indiana’s defense tightened immediately, keeping Alabama pinned and preventing any momentum shift. The knockout sequence came early in the fourth quarter. Indiana broke through with a 25-yard rushing touchdown to make it 31–3 , then followed with an 18-yard scoring run on another efficient possession to push the margin to 38–3 . By that point, the Rose Bowl crowd had fully turned its attention to the magnitude of what it was witnessing—Indiana didn’t just win, it dominated. Indiana’s Defense Smothers Alabama’s Offense Indiana’s defensive performance was the defining story of the night. The Hoosiers held Alabama to 193 total yards , consistently forced three-and-outs, and disrupted the Tide’s protection schemes with disciplined pressure and tight coverage. Alabama struggled to create explosive plays through the air and found no traction on the ground, producing one of its lowest rushing totals of the season. Indiana finished with three sacks , a forced fumble , and limited Alabama to just 11 first downs , making every possession feel like a grind. Even after Alabama rotated quarterbacks following an injury in the third quarter, Indiana’s defense stayed locked in and gave the Tide no path back into the game. Mendoza Delivers a Heisman-Level Performance Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza played like a star on the sport’s grandest stage, reinforcing his Heisman résumé with one of the most efficient performances in Rose Bowl history. Mendoza completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns , distributing the ball with precision and staying calm under pressure. He attacked matchups, extended plays with timely movement, and never allowed Alabama’s early aggression to disrupt his rhythm. Indiana’s offense also remained balanced beyond the passing attack. The Hoosiers surpassed 3,000 rushing yards for the season , marking just the second time in program history they’ve reached that milestone. The run game consistently moved the chains, kept the clock moving, and prevented Alabama from ever settling into a defensive groove. A Program-Defining Moment Indiana’s win wasn’t just a playoff result—it was a defining moment for the program. The Hoosiers advanced to the CFP semifinals for the first time and did it in emphatic fashion, overwhelming one of the sport’s most decorated programs with discipline, physicality, and execution. They didn’t rely on trickery or fluke momentum—they controlled every phase of the game. The Rose Bowl also delivered massive national attention, drawing 23.9 million viewers in what became a record-setting audience for the expanded CFP era. Final Takeaway Indiana’s 38–3 dismantling of Alabama was more than a statement win—it was an announcement that the Hoosiers are not just part of the playoff field, but a legitimate national championship contender. From Mendoza’s efficiency to the defense’s domination, Indiana turned a CFP quarterfinal into a showcase of total control. Alabama’s season ended abruptly on a stage where it has so often thrived. Indiana, meanwhile, moves forward with momentum and confidence, now preparing for a semifinal showdown with Oregon —and carrying the belief that its historic season is far from over.

Hurricanes Deliver Historic Playoff Victory in Arlington ARLINGTON, Texas — Miami delivered one of the most significant postseason victories in program history on Wednesday night, defeating No. 2 Ohio State 24–14 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl inside AT&T Stadium. The Hurricanes controlled the game from the opening half, relied on a relentless defensive performance, and closed the contest with a clock-draining touchdown drive to eliminate the defending national champions and advance to the CFP semifinals. Miami improved to 12–2 with the win and reached the College Football Playoff semifinals for the first time in the expanded playoff era. Ohio State finished its season at 12–2, seeing its title defense come to an end despite a late rally in the second half. Defensive Chess Match Defines the Opening Quarter The opening quarter featured tight defensive play from both sides. Miami and Ohio State exchanged punts and field position as neither offense found early rhythm. Miami threatened on its second possession but turned the ball over deep in Buckeye territory, allowing Ohio State to escape early danger. The physical tone was established early, with both defensive fronts winning individual matchups and forcing conservative play-calling as the teams sized each other up. Miami Seizes Control With Explosive Second Quarter Momentum shifted early in the second quarter when Miami pieced together a 13-play, 83-yard drive that consumed more than eight minutes of game clock. Quarterback Carson Beck capped the possession by connecting with running back Mark Fletcher Jr. on a short pass that turned into a 9-yard touchdown, giving the Hurricanes a 7–0 lead and establishing control of the tempo. Just three plays later, Miami delivered the game’s defining moment. Defensive back Keionte Scott read an Ohio State screen pass, intercepted quarterback Julian Sayin, and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, pushing Miami’s lead to 14–0. The sudden swing stunned the Buckeyes and energized a Hurricanes defense that continued to dominate the line of scrimmage. Ohio State attempted to respond before halftime, driving deep into Miami territory, but missed a 49-yard field goal as time expired, sending the Buckeyes into the locker room scoreless for the first time since 2016. Ohio State Pushes Back After Halftime Ohio State opened the second half with urgency, stringing together an 11-play, 82-yard drive to finally get on the scoreboard. Running back Bo Jackson finished the march with a 1-yard touchdown run, cutting Miami’s lead to 14–7 and briefly shifting momentum. Miami responded with composure. Beck led the Hurricanes into field goal range, and Carter Davis connected from 49 yards, restoring a two-score cushion at 17–7. The answer proved critical, halting Ohio State’s momentum and forcing the Buckeyes to continue pressing offensively. Fourth-Quarter Tension Builds as Buckeyes Close In The Buckeyes continued to fight, entering the fourth quarter trailing by ten but maintaining hope. Early in the final period, Sayin found Jeremiah Smith on a 14-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-2, narrowing the margin to 17–14 with over 13 minutes remaining. Smith finished with seven receptions for 157 yards, producing the Buckeyes’ most explosive plays of the night. With the margin slim and momentum hanging in the balance, the pressure shifted fully onto Miami to respond. Hurricanes Seal the Game With Championship Composure With Ohio State threatening to complete the comeback, Miami’s defense delivered a crucial stop, forcing a punt after a holding penalty backed the Buckeyes out of scoring range. That set the stage for the drive that sealed the outcome. Miami embarked on a 10-play, 70-yard march that consumed more than five minutes of clock. The Hurricanes leaned heavily on their ground game, consistently winning at the point of attack. Running back Marty Brown capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 24–14 with under a minute remaining and effectively ending Ohio State’s hopes. The Hurricanes forced one final turnover on the ensuing possession, intercepting Sayin near midfield before kneeling out the remaining seconds. Defense Anchors Miami’s Breakthrough Performance Miami’s defensive performance was the foundation of the win. The Hurricanes sacked Sayin five times, limited Ohio State to 45 rushing yards, and held the Buckeyes to 3-of-10 on third down. Pressure up front repeatedly disrupted Ohio State’s timing, preventing sustained drives and forcing long-yardage situations. Sayin completed 22-of-35 passes for 287 yards, but much of that production came under duress. Miami recorded two interceptions, including Scott’s pick-six that decisively swung momentum in the first half. Offensively, Beck completed 19-of-26 passes for 138 yards, extending a Cotton Bowl record by completing 13 consecutive passes during the first half. Fletcher added 90 rushing yards while also scoring the opening touchdown. What the Victory Means for Miami and the CFP Picture The win marked Miami’s first CFP appearance and immediate advancement to the semifinals, validating a season built on physical play, defensive strength, and disciplined execution. The Hurricanes now move on to the Fiesta Bowl, where they will face Ole Miss with a chance to reach the national championship game. For Ohio State, the loss ended a championship defense that never fully found rhythm against Miami’s defensive front. Despite a strong second-half push, the Buckeyes were unable to overcome early mistakes and Miami’s ability to control critical moments. Final Takeaway Miami’s 24–14 win over Ohio State was not a fluke or a late surge. It was a complete performance built on dominance in the trenches, timely execution, and situational excellence. The Hurricanes controlled the first half, absorbed Ohio State’s rally, and closed the game with authority, earning a place among college football’s final four.